Irresistible Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Packed with fresh flavors
• Customizable ingredients
• Perfect for healthy meals

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever wondered how a simple chicken dish can transform into a rich and comforting meal that warms both the heart and the home? Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich is that magical recipe, filled with tender chicken simmered to perfection in a savory gravy that envelops each bite. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also brings delightful aromas that fill your kitchen, making it an inviting space for family and friends. Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you come home to the enticing smell of slow-cooked chicken wafting through the air. As you lift the lid off your crockpot, steam escapes, revealing succulent pieces of chicken drenched in a luscious gravy. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners with loved ones or as a satisfying meal for busy weeknights. With every forkful, you’ll experience the rich flavors that create lasting memories around the dinner table.

Key Ingredients For Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level while still providing depth of flavor.
• Onion Soup Mix: This mix adds wonderful taste to the gravy; consider using a brand with no preservatives for better quality.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic can also be used in a pinch.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient is crucial for thickening your gravy to achieve that rich consistency.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while enhancing umami flavors in the dish.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a hint of spice; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish: First Step: Prepare The Chicken Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts into your crockpot. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor. Second Step: Mix The Gravy Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, onion soup mix, minced garlic, soy sauce, and pepper. Stir well until everything is blended thoroughly. Third Step: Pour The Mixture Over Chicken Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in your crockpot. Ensure that all pieces are well-coated for maximum flavor absorption during cooking. Fourth Step: Cook On Low Heat Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it on low heat. Allow it to cook for about 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds apart with a fork. Fifth Step: Thicken The Gravy Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and set aside. Mix cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the remaining gravy in your crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened. Serve suggestion: Transfer shredded chicken back into the thickened gravy before serving over rice or mashed potatoes for an incredibly satisfying meal.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better quality of chicken and broth you use, the richer your final dish will taste.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: If using frozen chicken breasts, increase cooking time by about an hour; always check doneness before serving.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding carrots or potatoes alongside your chicken for an all-in-one meal packed with nutrients.

Cooking Instructions

To make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich, begin by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Then, place them in the crockpot. In a separate bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and onion soup mix. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich pairs beautifully with various sides to enhance your meal experience. Here are some great suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich gravy perfectly.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add some color and nutrition with seasonal steamed vegetables.
• Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage Tips

To store leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’d like to preserve it longer, consider freezing the dish. To freeze, portion out the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutritional Information

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich is not only delicious but also provides a satisfying meal option. Each serving contains protein from the chicken along with essential vitamins from any added vegetables. Adjusting portion sizes and pairing with healthier sides can help cater to different dietary preferences while ensuring everyone enjoys this comforting dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich recipe. However, ensure that you cook it on high for at least four hours instead of low to guarantee that it reaches a safe internal temperature quickly. Using frozen chicken may result in slightly more liquid as it releases moisture during cooking, but it will still yield a flavorful dish.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer not to use cream of chicken soup in your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich, there are several alternatives available. You could use homemade white sauce or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk mixed with flour for thickening. Additionally, you can try other condensed soups such as mushroom or celery soup, which will add their unique flavors while still maintaining a rich consistency.

How do I thicken the gravy further?

Thickening the gravy for your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich is simple! If you desire a thicker sauce at the end of cooking, remove a cup of liquid from the crockpot once done. Whisk in cornstarch or flour until smooth, then return this mixture back into the pot while stirring continuously until thickened. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high heat.

Can I add vegetables into my Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables enhances both flavor and nutrition in your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Rich dish. Carrots, potatoes, or green beans work particularly well when added to the crockpot at the beginning of cooking time. This way, they will absorb all those delightful flavors while becoming tender alongside the chicken.